Self-grooming and public transportation: If you can’t beat them, create a space for them!

manner200805_pic_2

Some people like to complain about young Japanese women doing their makeup on the train. The particular behavior has the dubious honor of being featured twice in Tokyo Metro’s monthly manner poster series.

Recently designed ladies restrooms in the bigger, “hipper” stations have makeup and changing areas with full length mirrors and little tables. In the case of Omotesando Station, that area is actually bigger than the 3-4 toilet stall area combined.

Today, I noticed an @cosme store on the Yamanote Line platform of Ikebukuro Station. @cosme is a gigantic cosmetics e-commerce site, and I first thought the kiosk was a small brick and mortar shop selling makeup.

It’s actually a “free powder room” – a small corner with a mirror and table, tucked into a normal train kiosk. Why not! I’m curious to know how this addition has affected sales. The sign was quite prominent.

The gentleman on the left leaned into the corner for a second to fix his hair.